6.3″ ProMotion • A19 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) Review

A compact flagship with Apple’s longest optical-quality zoom yet, silky 120 Hz display and the A19 Pro for on-device Apple Intelligence.

Last updated: · ★★★★★ (illustrative stars; editorial rating in schema)
Editor’s note: This is the one Mrs GGB opted for — the Max felt too heavy, and the Air lacked the versatile triple-camera system she wanted for family holidays.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro in hand showing the triple-camera system and 6.3-inch display
Image credit: Amazon

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps keep Gadget Geek Boy running at no extra cost to you.

Key features & specs

  • Display: 6.3″ Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion up to 120 Hz and Always-On.
  • Chip: A19 Pro with advanced Neural Accelerators for Apple Intelligence.
  • Build: Aluminium unibody with vapor-chamber cooling; durable Ceramic Shield 2 glass.
  • Cameras: Three 48 MP Fusion rear cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) + 18 MP Center Stage front.
  • Zoom: up to 8× optical-quality zoom — the longest yet on iPhone.
  • Size/weight: compact 6.3″ class — lighter and smaller than Pro Max.

Cameras & zoom

The 17 Pro’s triple 48 MP Fusion array brings proper flexibility for holidays: an excellent main sensor, a higher-resolution Ultra Wide for big group scenes, and a dedicated Telephoto that reaches up to 8× optical-quality zoom. It’s a meaningful upgrade over the iPhone Air’s single-lens setup if you want varied shots without cropping.

Display & performance

The 6.3″ ProMotion display feels super-smooth at up to 120 Hz and remains readable outdoors thanks to very high peak brightness. The A19 Pro keeps iOS slick and powers on-device Apple Intelligence features like advanced writing tools and image creation — with privacy benefits from local processing.

Battery & charging

Apple touts a breakthrough in battery life this generation. You get fast USB-C charging and MagSafe/Qi2 accessories for convenient top-ups at home or on trips.

Pros & cons

ProsCons
Compact and lighter than Pro Max; easier on smaller handsCosts more than iPhone Air
Triple-camera versatility with up to optical-quality zoomBattery life good, but Max still lasts longer
Super-smooth 120 Hz ProMotion displayNo periscope-class zoom beyond 8× optical-quality
A19 Pro performance + on-device Apple IntelligenceFastest charging still needs a capable USB-C PPS charger

Who should buy this

  • Holiday photographers who want a compact phone with wide + ultra-wide + telephoto covered.
  • Small-handed users who find the Pro Max heavy but still want the best iPhone camera system.
  • iOS fans who value ProMotion and on-device Apple Intelligence performance.

FAQs

How big is the iPhone 17 Pro?

It’s a 6.3″ model — smaller and lighter than the 6.9″ Pro Max, making it comfier for many hands.

What cameras does it have?

Three 48 MP Fusion rear cameras (Main, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) and an 18 MP Center Stage front camera.

How smooth is the screen?

The OLED supports ProMotion up to 120 Hz with an Always-On display.

What chip does it use?

Apple’s A19 Pro with advanced Neural Accelerators for Apple Intelligence features.

Verdict

The iPhone 17 Pro hits the sweet spot: far more comfortable than the Pro Max for everyday use, yet vastly more versatile than the iPhone Air thanks to its triple-camera setup. If you want a brilliant travel and family phone without the bulk, this is the one to get.

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